HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Sunday, July 28, 2013) – Carissa Moore (HAW), 20, has won the Vans US Open of Surfing over local favorite Courtney Conlogue (USA), 20, in peaky one-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Huntington Beach Pier, taking the No. 1 position on the ASP Women’s World Title Race.

Stop No. 6 of 8 on the 2013 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT), the Vans US Open of Surfing plays both a crucial role in deciding the 2013 Women’s World Champion and qualification for next season’s ASP Top 17.

Moore got off to a dominant start in her final clash, earning an 8.17 and 7.83 to launch out to an early lead. The talented Hawaiian would hold on to the win despite a late-heat rampage from Conlogue, solidifying her third ASP Women’s WCT event win this year.

“To be honest I’m a little shocked right now because I thought Courtney (Conlogue) won when the crowd erupted on that last wave,” Moore said. “I let her go and I had priority and it was a bad decision, but I’m stoked that it worked out in my favor. I was happy to be in the final and Courtney’s in the title race and I had fun, but I was definitely nervous at the end of that heat. It’s such an honor to win this event in front of this big crowd. I feel amazing!”

Conlogue put in an amazing showing in front of her hometown crowd, besting then ratings’ leader Tyler Wright (AUS), 19, in the Semifinals. The regular-footer would fight hard to surpass Moore in the back half of the heat with her best two rides coming in the last five minutes. Unfortunately for the Californian, she was unable to surpass Moore’s opening heat efforts, finishing runner-up overall.

“It was definitely an amazing heat and Carissa (Moore), she’s been surfing really well,” Conlogue said. “With everyone screaming and the crowd on the pier I was definitely wanting to win. I was trying to be progressive and surfing the best that I could.”

Conlogue, who now sits at No 3 on the ASP Women’s WCT, is hoping to carry her momentum in to the final two events of the season in an attempt to rally for the 2013 ASP Women’s World Title.

“It feels really good to get second and I’m looking forward to going back to Europe,” Conlogue said. “Going to Hossegor is going to be exciting so it’s nice to get a result here and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tyler Wright (AUS), 19, was dominant throughout the Vans US Open of Surfing, earning her career-best result in Huntington Beach. The talented Australian’s run would end in the Semifinals, as she was stopped short by in-form local Courtney Conlogue, finishing equal 3rd overall.

“I did the best I could with what I had out there and Courtney (Conlogue) caught the best waves,” Wright said. “A 3rd is the best result I’ve ever had here at the US Open and I’m happy with that.”

Pauline Ado (FRA), 22, matched her career-best result and crucial points towards her requalification campaign with an equal 3rd place finish. Ado put in a stellar performance throughout the Vans US Open of Surfing, but was unable to surpass Moore in their Semifinals heat. Ado now sits No. 10 among the ASP Top 17 due to her efforts.

I’m a bit disappointed with my heat today,” Ado said. “I couldn’t find any good waves and feel like I didn’t surf my best, but I’m stoked on the result overall. I’ve had a great week at this event and a 3rd is putting me in a better position before the last two events in Europe.”